Hitler in History
Melvyn Bragg examines the debate between various historiographical theories. How do Intentionalist, Structralist and Marxist views of history explain events in Nazi Germany?
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss how history has struggled to explain the enormity of the crimes committed in Germany under Adolf Hitler: we have had theories of 鈥榯otalitarianism鈥, and of 鈥榙istorted modernity鈥, debates between 鈥榠ntentionalists鈥 and their opponents the 鈥榮tructuralists鈥. The great political philosopher Hannah Arendt said, 鈥淯nder conditions of tyranny, it is far easier to act than to think鈥. But somehow none of these explanations has seemed quite enough to explain how a democratic country in the heart of modern Europe was mobilised to commit genocide, and to fight a bitter war to the end against the world鈥檚 most powerful nations.With Ian Kershaw, historian and biographer of Hitler; Niall Ferguson, fellow and tutor in Modern History at Jesus College Oxford; Mary Fulbrook, Professor of German History at University College London.
Last on
Broadcasts
- Thu 5 Oct 2000 09:02成人论坛 Radio 4
- Thu 5 Oct 2000 21:30成人论坛 Radio 4
Featured in...
Germany: history and culture—Germany: Memories of a Nation
A collection of Radio 4 programmes about Germany.
20th Century—In Our Time
Browse the 20th Century era within the In Our Time archive.
In Our Time podcasts
Download programmes from the huge In Our Time archive.
The In Our Time Listeners' Top 10
If you鈥檙e new to In Our Time, this is a good place to start.
Arts and Ideas podcast
Download the best of Radio 3's Free Thinking programme.
Podcast
-
In Our Time
Melvyn Bragg and guests discuss the ideas, people and events that have shaped our world.